Knowledge is Power — but only when shared
Why your knowledge should be shared
When it comes to the sharing of knowledge this world can be split into two kinds of people; those who hoard knowledge, and those who share it. The key argument of the hoarders goes as follows, “I spent a lot of time and effort in learning what I know. This knowledge gives me an edge over my competitors. So why should I share my knowledge and cut the branch on which I am sitting?”
Well here at Circular, we fully grasp the significance of knowledge sharing. It is deeply ingrained in our everyday ethos to share specialised knowledge amongst one another. In fact, this is the very notion that birthed Circular in the first place. Shared knowledge is at the core of what we stand for.
On a daily basis in Circular, members share: job opportunities, events, book recommendations, lend creative skills, and even offer critiques. However, it comes of no news that this is fairly uncommon practice amongst creatives of today’s interconnected web. This antiquated ideology is only holding back our advancement as the human race — where does this belief that knowledge should not be coveted derive from? Are we really this selfish and concerned with “doing others hard work for them,” in fear that they will surpass us at our own game? In the game of knowledge, there is a seat at the table for each of us with a platter plenty wide to eat; and to eat for free at that. A knowledgeable society is one which will flourish for the greater good of humanity. We are all seeds in this society, to be watered on earth’s garden of mental nourishment.
Any successful creative project has one thing at it’s core: effective collaboration which can only be achieved through the sharing of knowledge. In the case of creatives this knowledge has become scarce and specialised, rendering it more so imperative to share this wealth of knowledge. From moral through personal to commercial, there are many reasons why you should share your knowledge. Here are some of those reasons:
It helps you grow
I have observed that next to writing down your ideas, knowledge sharing helps bring clarity to your ideas and thought processes. The questions that come up while sharing knowledge help broaden your perspective and widen your knowledge. And that is how you grow as an individual.
Filling the gaps in your knowledge
Your knowledge can grow effectively through the varieties of perspectives brought to the table. Some of those perspectives can make you reevaluate your understanding of the issue at hand. They say that what goes around comes around. If you gain a reputation of sharing what you know, knowledge will chase you and you will find that many people are interested in sharing their knowledge with you. People start trusting you with their knowledge. Paradoxically, when you share your knowledge, you receive more knowledge.
Building your profile in specialised knowledge
In today’s knowledge based industry, knowledge is power. Sharing knowledge positions you as an expert in your field. You need to become an expert in your niche with specialised knowledge, separating yourself from the competition. Specialised knowledge is the most valuable knowledge you can possess that insures a lifetime of success and accomplishment.
Connections between disparate circumstances
While you are sharing the knowledge, the listener could bring in some information that will complement your knowledge set and help you see connections and similarities between disparate circumstances. For example, if a member of Circular posts a work in progress book cover design into the Design Channel on Slack, the feedback received on use of white spacing or typography can be beneficial to me in future use when it comes to designing a flyer for my own art exhibition. Subsequently, this could further extend to careful consideration over the white spacing between my paintings when I go on to display my work.
Building your network
There is no better way to build your network and spread your influence than sharing your knowledge. If you choose your audience and your topic carefully, you can end up with a whole number of influential people who know what you know and who are in a position to help you.
You’ve got to pay forward
You are where you are because somebody saw it right to share their knowledge with you. Neither did they judge you, nor belittle you for your lack of knowledge. They believed in your potential and decided that it was worth their effort in helping you to grow. If society has invested in your growth, you owe it to the society to pay it forward by sharing your knowledge.
Self esteem
It makes you happy and proud about yourself. Your self esteem rises and you become a happier person. I would share my knowledge for this reason alone if not anything else.
The key to remember is that just because you don’t share your knowledge, people do not stop learning. There are many avenues available for people to learn stuff. You should be feeling grateful that people are asking you to share what you know. You should be thankful to them for giving you an opportunity to let you grow in your chosen field.
What is your stance on the sharing of knowledge? What are some of your favourite avenues to share or gain knowledge? Tweet us @CircularHQ & @RhymesAndOils.
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